1. The American & French Revolutions

2. When were they? The American Revolution started in 1775. The French Revolution started in 1789.

3. Causes Taxation “No taxation without representation!” Boston Tea Party Intolerable Acts create unity in the Colonies. Inequality in society. Special privileges for rich make others mad France out of money. King needs help- people demand democracy instead.

4. Important Events First battle: Lexington & Concord. Turning Point: Saratoga- brings French in to help. Storming of Bastille- a prison in Paris. Peasants overthrow feudalism. King executed. Revolution turns bloody- thousands of “enemies” guillotined.

6. Important Documents Common Sense by Thomas Paine- convinces many to support independence. Declaration of Independence- separated us from England. Declaration of the Rights of Man

7. Results Inspires others to use Enlightenment for government. Example of democracy for rest of the world. Also inspires others to democracy. Instability helps Napoleon to power- dictatorship returns.